Amar’e Stoudemire Wants Derek Fisher To Be A Disciplinarian

Amar’e Stoudemire wants his final season in New York to have some peace and harmony to it.

According to Newsday, Stoudemire said that “he wants new head coach Derek Fisher to hold everybody in the locker room accountable.”

“For the young players who are not as professional as they should be, I will look for him to put his foot down and really be firm about his teaching strategy and even for veteran players who don’t want to buy into it, you got to put your foot down,” Stoudemire told Newsday on Tuesday at the Citigroup Center Barnes & Noble in Manhattan where he signed copies of his new book, “Cooking With Amar’e: 100 Easy Recipes for Pros & Rookies in the Kitchen.”

“I think with Phil having his back, that gives him more of a role of sort of being a disciplinarian,” Stoudemire said. “Whatever Phil thinks works, I’m all with them and on board with it. Phil has a pedigree of winning and if he feels that’s what’s needed to win then I’m down for it.”

It sounds like a direct shot at J.R. Smith, but Stoudemire didn’t name any names. Stoudemire then added that he has no problem with playing in the triangle offense, nor does he mind Fisher’s lack of coaching experience.

“For some guys, it might be an issue, but with me, I’m just a pro who wants to play the game of basketball at a high level,” Stoudemire said. “At this point I know what it takes to be successful and to win.”

“It’s going to take some time for him to get around the organization and the team a little bit and figure out how everything works,” Stoudemire said. “But once it’s time for training camp, we should be able to kick it in full motion.”